Print and digital media come together for the future of comic book publishing

Published

Mar 11, 2012

Updated

Mar 15, 2012

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The Marvel ReEvolution is here—and comics will never be the same! The future of comic book publishing was unveiled to the raucous crowd at SXSW Interactive’ s ScreenBurn Arcade courtesy of industry superstars Axel Alonso (Editor in Chief, Marvel Comics), Peter Phillips (SVP/GM, Marvel Digital Media) and Jeph Loeb (Head of Marvel Television) during the historic Marvel: House of Ideaspanel

Marvel Infinite Comics

An industry first, theMarvel ReEvolution seamlessly brings the worlds of print and digital media together for a comics experience like no other. The first two elements of this exciting new initiative were revealed as Marvel InfiniteComics, a new comic book format, and Marvel AR, the first major augmented reality app from a comics company. And fans will not have to wait long to get in on the action as they will both be released with the hotly-anticipated AVENGERS VS. X-MEN #1on April 4, when the two biggest super heroe teams in the world go to war!

“Marvel’s always led graphic fiction industry in digital media innovation and the Marvel ReEvolution is a quantum leap into the future of publishing,” said Dan Buckley. Publisher & President of the Print, Animation & Digital Divisions, Marvel Worldwide, Inc. “We see print and digital product as complementary, not competitive—so we’ve made sure that not only do we have new digital content but also digital products that enhance the printed page. The release of AVENGERS VS. X-MEN #1, the biggest story we’ve ever told, is the activation point for the re-evolution of comics as a whole.”

Marvel Infinite Comics represent a new form of comic book storytelling, using tablets and smartphones as a new canvas for storytelling, taking advantage of modern technology while staying true to medium’s greatest strengths. The first comic released in this format will be AVENGERS VS. X-MEN #1 INFINITE, from acclaimed creators Mark Waid and Stuart Immonen and available on April 4 for purchase on the Marvel Comics app, free with the redemption of the code found in print copies of AVENGERS VS. X-MEN #1 or included with the purchase of the digital version.

Marvel AR

“We call these Marvel Infinite Comicsbecause the storytelling possibilities are, frankly, infinite. Writers and artists now have a whole host of new tools at their disposal to redefine the comic book medium,” said Alonso. “Current tablets and smartphones, along with comiXology’s Guided View technology, allow us to develop new, full length stories for a different medium that are very much truly comics—but experienced by readers in a way no other major company has ever executed.”

The Marvel ARapp, powered by Aurasma, will be released in April for iOS and Android devices. By opening this app and scanning select Marvel products featuring the Marvel AR logo, you’ll unlock exclusive content starring the world’s most popular super heroes, including Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, Spider-Man, Wolverine, Hulk and many others! Go behind the scenes of your favorite comics, see new footage, hear from creators, catch yourself up on past events and more!

“Marvel ARis a perfect example of how digital innovation not only gives added value to print comics, but also brings a delivers an entirely new reading experience,” explained Phillips. “Now fans will have access to more behind-the-scenes material from their favorite Marvel products than ever before—and it’s all absolutely free.”

i dont know, to me theres nothing like having the printed book in your hand. the only way i would want to get on board with this is if this format had additional pages or variant art work or some sort of worth while extras

Well this sounds pretty interesting and I cannot wait to see it in action. My only problem is that the redemption system only works one way. I do not always have time to go to the store and having a digital copy works very well because I can download it whenever via and ipad. My only problem is that I want a printed copy as well. As of now it seems I get a digital copy with the purchase of a printed copy but not the other way around. For that I have to pay twice. I want to be able to download a copy Wednesday but go pick it up a printed copy on some other day, i.e. the weekend. I know this would be more difficult working something out with the comic book store owners but as of now it seems that I have to pay for a digital as well as a printed copy which blows. If i knew I was guaranteed a printed copy I would buy a digital copy of all my weekly comics! If this can already be done please let me know.